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10

Superior Hiking Trail | Guide to Backpacking Campsites​

Way to Camp # 10 | Backpack Camping on a National Scenic Trail

   The Public Land:   

The Superior Hiking Trail.

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Some 90% of this 312 miles of unpaved hiking footpath crosses a wide variety of public lands, including the Superior National Forest, Minnesota state parks and forests, county land and city parks. 10% does travel through the permissive easements of private landowners. Despite its continuous on the ground, in the minds of many outdoorists the Superior Hiking Trail is a discrete venue.  that is well packaged into one iconic backpacking destination.​

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   Administrative :   

1 Trail (or 2) 94 campsites $Free 0% reservable

Some 90% of this trail 

 

the public lands the SHT crosses, as a sub section of the North Country National Scenic Trail

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Of the 23 Ways to Camp on Minnesota's public lands this guide and these​​

Way to Camp #10 | Backpack Camping on a National Scenic Trail (Superior Hiking Trail)

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These campsites are free.

Because they are rustic experiences with only the most basic amenities provided. If you develop a few backcountry camping practices, they are incredibly comfortable and an incredible value.

 

They are first come, first served. 

In other words, not reservable. This is a good thing when every state park car campground from Gooseberry to Grand Marais is already full, these rustic campgrounds are a great alternative. Get right to building camp, instead of hassling with administrative chores. However, be prepared to continue your road trip to the next nearest campgrounds, if you find all sites are occupied upon arrival. This "contigency tour"  is a rite of passage. The resources in this guide should help. 

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Campsites are limited in number.

 There are always less than 10 campsites in these “campgrounds”. On average, there are four. Expect less traffic and activity than a typical fee car campground. Instead of 50+ neighbors, you’re likely to only have a few.

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  • Maximum stay length is 14 days. Maximum group size is 9. 

  • Open season is May 15 through October 1.

 

​There is no resident staff or support. 

No campground host. Visits from park staff or local law enforcement are unlikely. Cell phone service is also not guaranteed.

   Approach :   

Hiking your own hike. 

The Draw: What makes SHT camping special?

​Remoteness.

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Proximity to amazing pieces of water.

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Social.

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Expected Use: while hiking the trail.

   Amenities & Skills :   

The comforts of car camping, with some backcountry fundamentals.​​

The overall campground amenities are less than surrounding national forest car campgrounds. Considerably less than state parks. But nearly equivalent to state forest car campgrounds. More importantly, the individual campsite amenities between all these public lands are pretty well equivalent. You get a lot for what you don't even have to pay for:

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☑ Cleared and level tent sites with drive-in parking for a car, small RV or tent trailer.

☑ Metal fire rings, most often with a cooking grate attached.

☑ Picnic tables.

☑ Outhouses with vault toilets. No running water, sinks or flushing toilets.

☑ Most are developed towards fishing and include a boat launch and a dock. Some of these launches are more primitive, for paddling watercraft rather than boat trailers. ​

☐ There is no potable water provided.

☐ Water Treatment Required: Only one of these campgrounds (Baker) has a drinkable water faucet. All others require equipment and methods for collecting and treating/filtering wild water. Every campground has a dependable source of water from an adjacent lake or river.

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☐ Practice backcountry food and trash storage.

  • Avoid all woodland critters, the local black bears included - by keeping all trash, food and scented hygiene products secure;

    • Use your vehicle as a locker overnight.

    • Correctly use bear hangs, bear barrels or bear bags.

    • Do not leave trash, food or cookware unattended.

  • Have trash bags and receptacles ready to pack out all of your garbage. There are no dumpsters or recycling containers. Pack out what you pack in. 

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☐ Firewood is not provided. Gather sustainably, or brought along from local DNR approved vendors.

   Why This Guide?  And Other Resources.

When you're on thru-hike mode turned up to eleven, campsite selection is determined simply by which is nearest at the sun begins to set. The only variable that would move you forward or have kept you short is whether a site was completely dry of drinking water. This guide is no matter there.

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When you are working the dials, even a little bit, towards comfort, enjoyment and 'optimizing' your trail experience you'll find yourself wishing and wondering you knew how this campsite you're at compares to the one up ahead? This guide is for those hikes.

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Every awesome day on the hiking trail isn't always, but can be compounded by an evening and overnight in the backpacking campsites that are admittedly higher quality than others. [Every single campsite is an achievement of the Superior Hiking Trail Association volunteers, members and staff that I am beyond grateful to have. :)]

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The purpose of this guide, in providing descriptions and a respectful comparative ranking (any night spent on the trail is 5 star!) is to identify and celebrate the best of the Superior Hiking Trail backpack camping experience.  To that end, this resource supports the following trip goals:

  • Making the most out a section or thru-hike; where adjusting mileage is worth it for the more scenic or interesting campsite to end the day, having a long lunch break or taking a zero day. 

  • Sampling the 'cream of the crop' for the ultimate hit-and-run experience of the best of what SHT backpack camping can offer on a single overnight or weekend outing. Time can be a limited resource. Or you've got new initiates to convince that more days on trail are well worthwhile.

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What are the criteria that impacts these rankings?

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Water is what I most look forward to each stay. 

  1. Moving water is better than still. Larger volume is better than smaller.

  2. The more adjacent this water is to tent pads the better. Make it easy to carry all of my kit to the water's edge to soak and rinse my face and feet. To refull all the water needed for the evening and overnight. To fall asleep to the serenade of a moving stream.

  3. An obvious swimming or wading hole is a higher ranking than small, broken and still pools I have to stay out of and preserve as sacred sources of drinking water.

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Topography.

Give me some ground that is both interesting at large (heights, slopes, hills, banks) and also has pockets of totally flat tent pads.

 

Quality of Tent Pads

I don't care about the substrate - until it rains. Then I wish for a grassy or otherwise organic bed to keep my tent from caking in what is now mud. For this ranking, I'll count the number of good tent pads (flat enough and uninterrupted by roots) that I would choose from if I'm the only person in the campsite. There will always be more places to pitch your tent than I mention.

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Trees. Mostly for aesthetics. The trail grants a variety of hardwoods and conifer mixes throughout, but I'm happier with open, airy and mature groves than the thick, claustrophobic stands of young aspen, spruce and alder. Sun and shade can be had at any site, and preferences completely depend on weather and season.

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Criteria that means little:
 

Distance from main trail.

Latrine experience.​

☑  The Official Trail Map Series from Superior Hiking Trail Association

Physical signage erected at certain trailheads and boat launches may host maps that include campsites no longer posted or promoted on the national forest website.

 

☑  Superior Hiking Trail Databook from Superior Hiking Trail Association

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​​Minnesota Camp Guide presents the campsites on NPS river maps in the following format, adding images, descriptions, hike-in/drive-in designations and a rating.

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Additional campsites and campgrounds have been added to this guide, from the following sources:

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  • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

    • St. Croix State Park (Summer Map)​

    • Wild River State Park (Summer Map)

    • Afton State Park (Summer Map)

    • Chengwatana State Forest

  • Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

    • Governor Knowles State Forest ​

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For a spreadsheet document of the Campsites of the St. Croix River National Scenic River, link here.

Ex:  C 129.5 East Beavver River  ★ 5

5

S129.5

An Island

★ 4

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  • The corresponding National Park Service map.

  • The location, by river mile. Consistent with National Park Service maps.

  • Campsite name, if it has one.

  • Rating:

    • Compared to other primitive watercraft on the St. Croix River.​

    • Criteria include; view of river, ease of access, shoreline quality, size, mix of sun/shade, quality of substrate for pitching tents, amenities.

The Campsites Catalog

The Superior Hiking Trail | Designated Campsites

Map Series F: Northern Terminus to Pincushion Mountain Trailhead

F 294.9 Template  ★ 1

A shallow rise in swampy alder-ground. Patchy balsam fir surrounds a two bench commons area. A wide vista of campsite from the latrine.

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  • ☑☐ ⦿⦿⦿ Water: A small, alder choked creek. A little walk from campsite.

  • Tent Pads: 3-4 of good quality.

  • ☐ ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring.

  • 94° 5' 59.618" W 47° 47' 32.447" N

  • ★ notable hike-in

F 294.9 Andy Creek  ★ 1

A shallow rise in swampy alder-ground. Patchy balsam fir surrounds the commons area. A wide vista of campsite from the latrine.

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  • ☑⦿ Water: A small, alder choked creek. A little walk from campsite.

  • Size (S). Tent Pads: 3-4 of good quality.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Two bench commons area.

  • 47.96854, -89.91843

F 289.8 Jackson Creek  ★ 3

Past a gate of glacial erratics, into a dense forested height of land, thick with spruce and balsam. Rests just above a charming creek that enters a wetland, offering friendly access to light water.

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  • ☑ ⦿Water: A small creek.

  • Size (S). Tent Pads: 4-5 of good quality.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Three bench commons area.

  • 47.92357, -89.91318

  • Nearest Trailhead: A little over one mile.

F 286.5 Caribou Pond  ★ 2

On a rugged slope and in close quarters of thick balsam & spruce. An impressive beaver dam spills moving water, providing ambience. A 'semi-vista' when looking towards the pond.

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  • ☑ ⦿ Water:  Most immediate access is the beaver pond. Moving water outflow is an option a little hike north, with some bush tramping.

  • Size (S). Tent Pads: 4-5 of good quality.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Two bench commons area.

  • 47.89964, -89.91486

F 282.8 North Carlson Pond  ★ 2

Thick young forest with lots of balsam, spruce and shrubs. Mostly flat ground. Very nearby, a lovely little creek enters a wetland.

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  • ☑ ⦿ Water:  The creek, with enough volume to offer an enticing soaking pool, like a grass banked jacuzzi.

  • Size (M). Tent Pads: Flat ground with several great tent pads.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ One bench commons.

  • 47.89458, -89.95256

F 280.7 South Carlson Pond  ★ 3

On a peninsular ridge, hosting a fairly open forest of great species diversity; spruce, balsam, cedar, birch and aspen with much of the ground carpeted in club mosses. On one aspect is a wide, grassy wetland viewshed.

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  • ☑ ⦿ Water:  Carlson Creek runs alongside with pools for wading or soaking feet.

  • Size (M). Tent Pads: 4-5 of good quality.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet, with nice view. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Two bench commons area.

  • 47.89178, -89.98376

F 277.9 Hazel  ★ 1

An alder choked approach to an unattractive and claustrophobic thicket of dogwood and hazel with some scattered aspen, balsam and spruce.

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  • ☐ ⦿ Water:  Strong rivulets of water run the spongy ground in spring and into the season probably serve mosquito breeding better than they'll serve you.

  • Size (S). Tent Pads: 4-5 of good quality.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Three bench commons area.

  • 47.89619, -90.02529

F 266.2 Northwest Little Brule  ★ 3.5

On risen ground above a spacious lower floodplain bench on a creek sized section ot the Little Brule River. Not too dense of spruce, birch and balsam to interrupt the limited viewshed. An airier option occurs in the adjacent stand of aspen.

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  • ☑ ⦿ Water:  Adjacent to a flowing, bouldery creek with gravel bars and feet soaking spots.

  • Size (S). Tent Pads: 4-5 of good quality.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Two bench commons area.

  • 47.82158, -90.09118​

F 266.2 North Little Brule  ★ 3.5

Next door to NW Little Brule, and a better pick. Much the same but offers a wider view of the river bend, through thin, airy spruce and birch stands.

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  • ☑ ⦿  Water:  Especially on the southern approach via trail, the river offers plunge pools, mossy outcrops and cobble beaches before transforming into an inaccessible slot canyon.

  • Size (M). Tent Pads: 6-7 of good quality.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Two bench commons area.

  • 47.82086, -90.0905

F 265.8 South Little Brule  ★ 3

Most interesing topography of the the three Brule sites, this campsite feels "layered". Humps and mounds of ground between a wooded draw and a cliff dropping to an acoustic creek canyon. A sense of the great, wide open in the lakebound direction. Uncrowded by birch, spruce and the occassional cedar or the huge greeting aspen. 

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  • ☑ ⦿  Water:  Narrow, flowing creek that is a bit of a walk to access comfortably, considering this campsite is on steep ground above it.

  • Size (S.) Tent Pads: 3-4 reasonably flat, this site is very sloped.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ four bench commons area.

  • 47.81641, -90.0879

F 260.6 Kadunce River  ★ 3.5

Flat ground on a high bank above creek. Surrounded by airy spruce, birch, balsam and patches of bright, red osier dogwood. 

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  • ☑ ⦿  Water:  A bit of walk to access, but earns a full extra point for the stretch of rapids with natural whirlpool jacuzzis.

  • Size (S.) Tent Pads: 4-5 of good quality, some are grassy.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Two bench commons area.

  • 47.80438, -90.15584

  • Nearest trailhead: Under one mile.

F 260.1 West Fork Kadunce River  ★ 2.5

A flat, wide and open clearing well above a deep and steep-sided slot canyon. Spruce-balsam-birch surround. If you prefer, a more grotto like option is pitching on the conifer shrouded, moss covered bench tucked precipitously above the canyon drop. Edgy.

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  • ☐ ⦿ Water:  Since the adjacent creek is in a canyon, you'll need to lace up your hiking boots and walk 0.3 miles to access comfortably.

  • Size (M.) Tent Pads: Many flat tent pads.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Two bench commons area.

  • 47.80039, -90.16073

  • Nearest Trailhead: One mile.

F 259.8 Crow Creek  ★ 2

On a terrace between higher ground and the lower bench of the creek, amidst spruce, balsam and birch. Either Kadunce site is a better pick than this one, except that access to water is much more immediate here. 

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  • ☑ ⦿ Water:  Directly adjacent to tents, a splashy creek with shallow foot soaking pools.

  • Size (M.) Tent Pads: 6-7 flat tent pads.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Three bench commons area.

  • 47.79978, -90.16435

F 258.6 Kimball Creek  ★ 4

An absolutely charming, 'secret garden' feeling to this valley on a flat promontory between the confluence of two creeks. Access to native brook trout fishing, if you come back with a rod.

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  • ☑ ⦿ Water:  Excellent sound of wide, splashy riffles and shallow with places to wade and soak feet, but not swim.

  • Size (S.) 4-5 quality tent pads.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Two bench commons area.

  • 47.79353, -90.1837

  • Nearest Trailhead: Very close to trailhead parking.

F 256.1 Cliff Creek  ★ 3

Very spacious, flat and wide on a rise above the creek. Sun and shade amidst fairly mature birch, aspen, balsam and spruce. An old sentinel aspen tree stands at the entrance.

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  • ☑ ⦿ Water:  Easy enough access to a slow but moving creek. Shallow and cobbly.

  • Size (L.) Tent Pads: 6 + quality tent pads.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Three bench commons area.

  • 47.79773, -90.2214

F 255.0 Durfree Creek ★ 2

A small, and close quarters alcove in thick trees. Atop a steep climb from the attractive creek.

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  • ☑ ⦿ Water:  Quick flowing riffles across gravel beach and rock bars, with ample space to wade in shallows. 

  • Size (L.) Tent Pads: 2-4 of good quality.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Three bench commons area.

  • 47.79395, -90.23998

F 252.6 Wood's Creek  ★ 4

The topography and vegetation create several private feeling 'compartments' to choose from. Some are directly on the banks of the creek and others on the main rise above, so you can select the volume setting of the running water.

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  • ☑ ⦿ Water:  A straight, narrow course through boulders. Places to soak feet.

  • Size (M.) Tent Pads: 4-5 of good quality.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ 3 bench commons area, sloped.

  • 47.78333, -90.26633

  • Nearest Trailhead: Under one mile.

F 250.1 East Devil Track  ★ 4

Super neat. A flat shelf between steep upland and the large, lower course of the Devil Track River. Sun and shade from the birch, balsam, spruce and cedar. An easy gradient access to water with impressive cliff banks.

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  • ☑ ⦿Water:  A high volume, boulder strewn riverrun for deep wading or a decent bathe, if not a shallow swim.

  • Size (S.) Tent Pads: 2-3 comfortably.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Two bench commons area.

  • 47.78101, -90.29674

F 250.0 West Devil Track  ★ 4.5

The nearby section of Devil Track River is packed with features - eroding cliff banks, sculpted red rhyolite edifices, big cobble beaches, small rapids whirlpools and a few foot cascade.

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  • ☑ ⦿ Water:  Fast flowing course over hard rock and cobble beaches, great wading and washing. 

  • Size (L.) Tent Pads: 5-6 of good quality.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Two bench commons area.

  • 47.78139, -90.29488

Map Series E: Pincushion Mountain Trailhead to Temperance Wayside Trailhead

E 239.4 North Bally Creek Pond  ★ 2

A soggy, vegetated shoreline access to the pond without direct view from the campsite. Feels open/airy despite brushy surroundings. Unexciting, but takes care of business.

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  • ☑ ⦿ Water:  Look for a tiny brook inlet besides the pond direct.

  • Size (S.) Tent Pads: 4-5 of good quality.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Two bench commons area.

  • 47.76914, -90.43146

E 239.2 South Bally Creek Pond  ★ 2.5

Would choose over North, for the limited view and more comfortable and immediate access to the pond. Enclosed in brushy woods.

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  • ☑ ⦿ Water:  Another running water outlet besides pond edge in early season.

  • Size (M.) Tent Pads: Around 4 flat, quality tent pads. Others rugged.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Three bench commons area.

  • 47.76799, -90.4332

E 238.0 Sundling Creek  ★ 2.5

A small, balsam studded ridge partitions the campsite from the creek. Open to sun, sky and stars with a charming edging of carpet moss on approach. Prefer to the Bally Creek sites, but not by much. Not really worth the long spur off the main trail.​

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  • ☑ ⦿ Water:  A small, but flowing stream overgrown with alder.

  • Size (M.) Tent Pads: 4-5 of good quality.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Two bench commons area.

  • 47.7717, -90.45288

  • Nearest Trailhead: Very close to trailhead parking.

E 234.5 North Cascade River ★ 3.5

Doubled amenities. Quite large, and has the feeling of two campsites. Hedges of hazel embedded with thick spruce and cedars surround and separate the two. ​

  • ☑ ⦿ Water:  Disappointingly distant from river water access. Very wide and shallow.

  • Size (L.) Tent Pads: 4-5 of good quality.

  • ☑ 2 pit latrine toilets. ☑ Rock fire ring, metal fire grate. ☑ Two commons areas.

  • 47.75458, -90.51894

E 232.1 Cut Log  ★ 3

An attractive and airy, balsam & birch woods on the edge of mature maple hardood forest. Perched on a rise between an eroded ditch from seasonal runoff into the deep tributary creek valley.  The namesake giant, mossy log has a cool chair carved into it.

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  • ☑ ⦿ Water:  The water source is a tall and steep staircase away from tents, and not enough for quality rinsing or recreation.

  • Size (S.) Tent Pads: 5-6 of good quality.

  • ☑ Pit latrine toilet. ☑ Rock fire ring. ☑ Three bench commons area.

  • 47.73049, -90.53619